Vanuatu

Vanuatu Film & Photography Production Services

Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in Vanuatu? We have fully vetted, locally based fixers, service producers, directors, DP’s, videographers, cameramen, photographers, sound operators, production drivers, and a range of other film crew. Contact us for referrals, questions, cost estimates and references.

Want to know more about shooting in Vanuatu? See below for an introduction to Vanuatu locations, permits, when to shoot, costs, talent, crews, equipment, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits, film friendly hotels, transport, communications and safety advice.

Vanuatu Film Locations

Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean north of New Zealand and east of Australia. Vanuatu is best known for its turquoise blue waters, palm-lined white sand beaches, tropical rainforest, and waterfalls. Vanuatu has nine active volcanoes. The island of Gaua has the beautiful Mount Garet volcano and Letas Lake. Tanna island is home to Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. Vanuatu also offers impressive underwater photography options including WWII wrecks off of Espiritu Santo Island. Port Vila is the capital and main entry point by air.

Vanuatu Film Location Permits

Most locations are possible given time, money and the right approach. Please contact us for location specific information.

When To Shoot?

Vanuatu has a tropical climate. The northern islands tend to be hot and humid while the southern islands have a milder and drier climate. November to April is the wet season. May to October is the dry season and best time to film for weather. For monthly weather statistics please see here.

Nagol Land Diving is a local coming-of-age tradition held on Pentecost Island where local men jump off wooden towers from heights of up to 100ft with only tree vines tied to their feet. This takes place from April to June.

Costs & Tax Incentives

Costs. Locations and talent costs are inexpensive but since no filming infrastructure exists on the island all crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Our Vanuatu based fixer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for feature films or commercials shooting in Vanuatu.

Film Crew & Talent

Crews. Some basic crew is available locally in Vanuatu. Most key crew need to be brought in.

Contact us if you are looking for a director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Vanuatu.

Talent day rates and buyouts are reasonable and negotiated on a personal level. Casting facilities are undeveloped in Vanuatu so street casting is required. There are very few non-Melanesian looks available locally, so those need to be brought in from abroad.

Vanuatu Film Equipment

Equipment. Best to bring in your camera, grip and lighting gear.

Art department and set construction is very minimal.

StudiosandBacklots don’t exist.

Post Production. None available locally.

Visas & Work Permits

Only certain countries need visas and there is no need for work permits. Crews travelling on Western passports can enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. If you are planning to enter on a private sailing vessel see here for more information. Contact your local Vanuatu embassy / representative for more information.

Transport & Accommodation

Transportation Infrastructure. Roads outside of Port Vila and Luganville are generally in a poor condition, and slower going. Domestic flights are the best way to travel between islands. Vanuatu is internationally serviced by several airlines.